Glaucoma is a ailment caused from increased intraocular pressure (IOP) because of either from a malformation or malfunction of the eye’s drainage structures. Though increased intraocular pressure is an important risk element for developing glaucoma, there is no set edge for intraocular pressure that causes glaucoma. One person may have nerve wreckage at a comparatively low pressure, while another person may have high eye pressure for years and yet never cause damage. Unmedicated glaucoma leads to permanent rupture of the optic nerve and resultant visual field loss, which can leads to blindness. An elevated IOP is the most considerable factor for the development of glaucoma. The most thoroughly studied cause of non-pressure-dependent glaucomatous damage is the probability of an insufficient blood supply to the optic nerve head and adjacent retina. Glaucoma is a group of diseases which may damage the eye’s optic nerve and consequences are loss in vision los and blindness.

Glaucoma is similar to ocular hypertension but accompanying with optic nerve rupture and loss of vision. The aqueous refines out of the anterior chamber over a complex drainage system. In most people, this injury is because of increased pressure in the eye which is a result of blockage of the circulation of aqueous, or its drainage. Through early sensing, diagnosis and treatment, doctor can help to preserve the vision. Glaucoma is a group of diseases that can steal sight without warning or symptoms. Other variations involves congenital glaucoma, pigmentary glaucoma and secondary glaucoma.

Causes of Glaucoma

Common causes and risk factor’s of Glaucoma include the following :

• High blood pressure ( hypertension ).
• Diabetes.
• Family history of glaucoma.
• Secondary glaucoma is caused by other diseases, including eye diseases such as uveitis , systemic diseases, and drugs such as corticosteroids.
• Previous eye injury .
• Nausea and vomiting may occur.
• Over the age of 45 and not having regular eye exams.
• Primary open-angle glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness among African Americans and Alaska Natives, occurring 6-8 times more often than in whites, often in the earlier stages of life
• Angle closure (acute) glaucoma is caused by a shift in the position of the iris of the eye that suddenly blocks the exit of the aqueous humor fluid.

Symptoms of Glaucoma

Some common Symptoms of Glaucoma:

• Abdominal pain.
• Headache.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Glare and light sensitivity.
• Severe eye pain.
• Blurred vision.
• Swollen or clouded cornea.
• Redness in the eyes.
• Halos around lights.

Treatment of Glaucoma

• Blindness will occur in a few days if it is not treated.
• Epinephrine compounds are eye drops that lower the intraocular pressure by increasing the rate of aqueous humor flow out of the eye.
• Laser or surgical treatment may be used when medical treatment isn’t sufficiently effective.
• These are the most common form of cures and must be used regularly. In some cases pills are prescribed. The drops can be varied to best according to the patient and the type of glaucoma.